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      What is Craniofacial Reconstruction

      Craniofacial surgery is a specialized subset of plastic surgery. These procedures treat congenital facial abnormalities and are performed primarily on the skull and face of infants and children. Craniofacial surgeries commonly correct congenital conditions such as cleft lip, cleft palate, or craniosynostosis. Craniofacial surgery may also correct trauma from an accident or a non-congenital developmental abnormality, including:

      • Hemifacial microsomia
      • Microtia and other congenital ear deformities
      • Vascular anomalies
      • Micrognathia and Pierre robin sequence
      • Face and skull tumors
      • Face and skull traumas
      • Corrective jaw surgery

      These highly specialized facial and skull surgeries can be performed on infants as young as 3 months. Due to the highly complicated nature of craniofacial reconstruction, your surgeon may coordinate with pediatric neurosurgeons and multidisciplinary teams to ensure the best outcome for your baby.

      Craniofacial Reconstruction for Craniosynostosis Treatment

      Cleft lip, palate, and other craniofacial disorder surgeries are typically inpatient procedures utilizing general anesthesia, although some cases may be outpatient. Cleft lip and/or palate procedures can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, and your baby will likely go home after 1 to 2 days in the hospital.

      Before your child's procedure, your surgeon will provide specific eating and drinking instructions. Because an empty stomach is needed for general anesthesia, those instructions may include restricting formula or breastfeeding for a certain number of hours prior to surgery and no solid foods or baby foods allowed beginning at midnight the day of surgery.

      Craniosynostosis surgery is done between 3 months and 1 year of age and involves an incision made from ear to ear on the top of the head. Cuts in the bone will release the fused suture and allow for the brain to expand as your child grows. This procedure can take 3 - 7 hours. Additional surgeries may be required in the future.

      Craniofacial Reconstruction for Cleft Lip and Palate

      Cleft lip surgery is performed on a baby between 3 and 6 months old and involves closure of the lip and alveolar defect and rhinoplasty of the tip of the nose to help the baby feed better. The procedure typically takes 2 to 3 hours and a single surgery may be all that is needed to fix the problem.

      Cleft palate surgery is done between 12 and 15 months and involves closing the opening in the palate (roof of your child's mouth). This helps a baby with feeding and normal speech development. This procedure can take 2-6 hours. A second surgery may be required at a later date.

      Recovery

      It can take up to four weeks for your child to recover from a cleft lip, palate, or other craniofacial surgery.After surgery, your baby may be fussy and may need to wear a soft splint or arm cuff to prevent them from touching their mouth. While they can start eating and drinking post-surgery, it may be troublesome. An IV catheter will provide fluids until your child can eat or drink on their own.

      Your child will likely be uncomfortable after their pain medications wear off post-surgery. Your surgeon will provide post-surgical pain management instructions to help ease their discomfort. Once your child returns home, you will receive at-home care instruction, including eating, drinking and incision care.

      Risks & Side Effects

      While craniofacial surgeries are generally safe, all surgeries come with risks. The most common complications of cleft lip and palate surgery include

      • Bleeding
      • Infection
      • Anesthesia reactions
      • Breathing problems
      • Cerebrospinal fluid leakage (Craniosynostosis surgery)
      • Additional surgeries

      Is My Child a Candidate?

      Any child with a cleft lip, palate, or other congenital facial abnormality may be eligible for craniofacial procedures. The ideal age will range from 3 to 18 months.

      Certain factors may make this procedure unsuitable for your child, including suspected infections at the time of surgery or underlying health conditions or syndromes.

      Our Doctors

      The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction is world-renowned for its revolutionary surgical techniques, including craniofacial reconstruction.
      Frank Ciminello
      Physician

      Frank Ciminello

      MD, FACS
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      Stephen Dudick
      Physician

      Stephen Dudick

      MD
      Read More
      Adam Feintisch
      Physician

      Adam Feintisch

      MD
      Read More
      Sean Herman
      Physician

      Sean Herman

      MD, FACS
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      Reza Jarrahy
      Physician

      Reza Jarrahy

      MD, FACS, FAAP
      Read More

      Patient Success Stories

      Craniofacial reconstruction surgeries are very common and can help your child eat, breath, and speak better when they’re born with a congenital condition such as a cleft lip, cleft palate, or craniosynostosis. Explore our patient success stories and discover the life-changing impact our craniofacial surgeries have had on children.
      View Story

      Find a location

      The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction makes getting specialized, world-class care as accessible and convenient as possible. We diagnose and treat facial abnormalities and numerous other conditions at the following locations:

      Insurance Information

      The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction participates in a wide range of insurance plans. Each physician has their own accepted insurance and hospital affiliations. Before scheduling an appointment, please contact your insurance carrier to confirm that your provider is in-network. Many of our physicians also accept Medicare. Our billing department will help you confirm your coverage before your visit.

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